From junior schools to colleges to the National Basketball Association, basketball is played at many levels in organizations around the world. It can also be played in a school yard or even in your back yard. Wherever you play, if you want to improve your skills, read this article to learn more about the game.

If you get possession of the ball a lot, you must learn the crossover technique. Moving the ball from hand to hand is a crossover. Your crossovers should be fast, which is why it is important to practice them. When done correctly, a good crossover dribble assists you in being efficient and helping you change direction when you need to.

Work on flexibility. Flexibility is very important during basketball. This is because you may have to stretch to grab a ball that is in the air. Additionally, increased flexibility helps protect your tendons and joints from the damage caused during this fast playing sport. Do flexibility exercises often and always stretch before beginning any game.

Work on becoming a more clever basketball player, rather than trying to master a few clever plays. Your opponents will eventually figure out your plays, but will have difficulty if they cannot anticipate your overall playing ability. Learn to be surprising, quick thinking and more agile in your ability to get the ball and work the court.

If you play serious team basketball, jump rope for thirty minutes before practice sessions. You’ll get used to playing basketball already winded and tired. Doing this can make you very prepared to make shots in late game situations, as your conditioning is already a notch above anyone else just showing up to practice.

One of the best tips for improving your shot is to practice. As simple as it may seem, this really is effective. Once you get a feel of where to stand and how to stand, it will be easier for you to make shots. Have a friend defend you to get better practice.

Always know where the other players are, both on your team and the opposition. You need to know who is close enough to steal the ball from you, who you can pass to and who might be able to rebound if you miss. Staying on top of the game means knowing the lay of the land.

It’s great to be quick in basketball. You need to be faster than the opposing team if you want the advantage. Consistent, repetitive drilling is the key to speed. Don’t play too fast and risk your chances. You will end up in a turnover if you play too fast.

There are some drills you can practice to help you become a better player. For example, power crossovers: first, dribble with your right hand hard, and then quickly move the ball to your left hand. Repeat while passing the ball back to your right hand. This will make you a better at crossovers.

Understanding the basics of basketball is what stood between your current game and a much improved version. With these tips ready to be used, you can now amp up your skills until you start winning more than you are losing. This will provide you with what you need to love basketball through and through.